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Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Sunday that the conflict in Gaza has not ended, despite both Israel and Hamas accepting aspects of a suggested resolution framework designed to conclude the almost two-year fighting.

Technical Talks to Show Hamas's Seriousness

"It will become clear very quickly whether Hamas is serious or not by the outcome of operational negotiations regarding the captives' return," Rubio commented during an interview.

The remarks coincided with declarations that Hamas faces "complete obliteration" if it insists on staying in control in Gaza. Israeli and Hamas negotiators are preparing for discussions in Egypt on the coming week, but intermediaries are facing roadblocks, such as the prisoner swap procedures that might postpone hopes for a rapid cessation of hostilities.

Two-Part Strategy to Ceasefire Agreement

In a separate interview, he detailed that mediated talks are "the closest we've come to securing all captives' freedom".

However, he cautioned that the administration's peace plan – accepted by both parties including multiple obstacles, such as the disarming of Hamas – was probably facing "a lot of pitfalls along the way."

The secretary explained he "advises both sides" to view the plan in two phases – initially Hamas has accepted to the hostage liberation structure, hostages are released and troops retreat.

Operational Hurdles and Schedule Pressures

However, the practicalities remain unclear, such as the swap procedure and receiving parties. "We want to see that take place swiftly," he commented. "The hostage piece must occur extremely quickly."

"I am hopeful that they'll be released. And I believe there are possibilities," he remarked.

As outlined in the agreement, Hamas would release the outstanding prisoners – about 20 of them believed to be alive – over three days. As compensation, Israel would halt its operations and withdraw from much of the territory, free numerous detainees and allow an influx of assistance and subsequent recovery.

Organization's Viewpoint

"The group is eager to secure a deal to stop the conflict and immediately begin the swap procedures following the current circumstances," officials stated over the weekend.

But they warned that "Israeli forces should not hinder the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. If the military has sincere motives to reach an agreement, Hamas is ready."

Second Phase Challenges

During his remarks on the weekend, he detailed the subsequent part of the framework contains discussions over what happens after Israel pulls back and how a new governance structure for Gaza would be created.

"That's the part that I think is will prove slightly harder to address, but this will guarantee durability for the cessation of hostilities," he told.

Additionally, he noted that "all parties concur, with Israeli consent, that in time, at some point during these developments, the territory will be administered by a Palestinian technocratic group separate from the militant group, that are not terrorists, supported and aided of an international consortium like the board of peace."